For some of us is really hard to resist a PAC-MAN game and when it is developed by Namco then it is almost impossible...

This game is a port and I have first played it on my PSP. By the way, the PSP version is not only PAC-MAN Remix but it includes the original version along with other old school arcade games. A nice pack! In addition, the PSP version seems harder than the iPhone one because it feels faster.

Anyway, the iPhone version is just the Remix alone, not even the original PAC-MAN.

The first thing to notice is the lack of new and recently common features such as online and iPOD music support.

Gameplay

If you never played any PAC-MAN the goal is simple: eat all board pellets, avoid ghosts and eat them just when you get a power pellet. You can also eat some bonus fruits that appear from time to time.

In addition, the Remix version added some extra items such as:

- Jump: jump over a ghost or wall- Dash: hold down the item to charge the gauge and release to dash- Ninja: tricky ghosts creating an illusion of PAC-MAN- Lucky: turn all pellets into power ones- Warp: warp to other panel of the same color- Random Warp: warp to another panel randomly

There are two control methods: Flick (swipe the direction you would like to go) and Arrow Keys (four buttons at the bottom of the screen).

After testing the two methods I find Flick the best and very responsive. The Arrow Keys are not well distributed (a d-pad would be a lot better). Anyway, at least you have two options regarding control which is always good.

Along with the usual 3 difficulty levels there are two game modes:

- Normal Play: play through 6 stages with 5 levels each and fight against 6 different bosses- Free Play: play any unlocked stage

Unfortunately the game does not fully support resume. You have always to restart the current level you had to leave. It could be worse of course.

Graphics

The graphics an animations are good though it feels a bit slower than the PSP version.

Sound

Background music and sound effects are also good.

However, it does not supports iPOD music at all.

Pros

The old and good gameplayNew power-upsDifferent scenariosFast loading time

Cons

It does not include the original versionNo online score boardIt partially supports resumeIt does not support iPOD music

Conclusion

PAC-MAN Remix brings refreshing elements that make this old game interesting to play again although it does not have any online integration that could easily increase the replay value.

Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):

Graphics: -4- good graphics and animationsSound: -3- it does not support iPOD musicControls: -4- Flick works very wellGameplay: -4- the old and good gameplay with tweaks

Playing Hints and Tips:

Read the Help to understand the itemsTry Hard if the game feels too easy for youDon?t forget to finish a level before exiting the game